What causes soybean lodging? An introduction to the latest prevention methods

In soybean cultivation, many friends are rather “afraid” of lodging, because once lodging occurs, no matter how severe it is, it will cause a reduction in yield. Generally, it reduces yield by 20%-30%, and in severe cases it can reach more than 50%. So what causes soybean lodging? How should it be prevented? Let's find out together.

1. Weather causes

In the middle and late stages of soybean growth, the plants grow relatively tall. If extreme weather occurs, such as strong winds and heavy rain, and it lasts for a long time, lodging will occur. And there is no way to avoid this situation; you can only pray that the lodged area is a bit smaller and the damage is a bit less.

2. Variety causes

Soybean lodging has a certain relationship with its variety. Some soybean varieties grow extremely tall, but their stems are relatively thin and weak, and their own lodging resistance is weak, so lodging is very likely to occur when they are planted on plots with sufficient fertilizer and water. Some varieties do not grow tall, but their stems are thick and strong, and their lodging resistance is strong.

Prevention methods: Therefore, excellent varieties should be reasonably selected according to the specific local conditions. For example, for plots with average fertility, varieties with taller growth can be selected, while for plots with good fertility conditions, varieties with shorter growth should be selected. At the same time, varieties with strong stress resistance should be selected, which has a certain effect on preventing lodging in the later stage.

During planting, the greater the planting density, the more likely lodging is to occur. With high density, the ventilation and air permeability in the field are reduced, the plant roots do not go deep, and large-scale lodging is very likely to occur.

Prevention methods: Pay attention to density when planting. It is not that the denser the planting, the higher the yield; the result may be exactly the opposite. Not only is lodging likely to occur, but yield will also be affected. Therefore, reasonable dense planting is best. Generally, the specific number of plants per mu depends on soil fertility and climatic conditions. Generally, plots with good fertilizer and water can plant 15,000 plants per mu, and those with average fertilizer and water can plant 25,000 plants.

4. Excessive application of nitrogen fertilizer

Nitrogen fertilizer can promote plant growth and development. Many farmers often apply too much nitrogen fertilizer when planting, while soybeans themselves produce rhizobia and have a strong nitrogen-fixing capacity. Excessive nitrogen fertilizer will cause soybeans to grow excessively, and the probability of lodging will also increase.

Prevention methods: Control the amount of nitrogen fertilizer applied during planting. When sufficient base fertilizer has been applied, do not apply nitrogen fertilizer during topdressing. When topdressing at the flowering stage, reasonably apply nitrogen fertilizer according to the growth of the soybeans. For those growing well, apply a little less, about 5 kg per mu. At the same time, reasonably match phosphorus and potassium fertilizers to improve the fruit-setting rate and increase yield.

The above is an introduction to the causes of soybean lodging and prevention methods. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.